Learn about river pollution, Australia’s climate disclosure requirements, 30x30 contributions, and drought-ravaged forests, with our summary of this week's sustainability news.
16/12/22
This past week was filled with interesting sustainability and climate news, we’ve summarised the top stories below.
Australia to step up sustainability policy with mandatory disclosures
The Australian government has begun to consult on requirements for the disclosure of climate‑related financial risks and opportunities by Australian companies.
The reporting requirements will be standardised, internationally aligned, and will include disclosures on greenhouse gas emissions.
Disclosure of Scope 3 emissions has also been proposed, in line with the ISSB framework.
Record number of dead fir trees discovered in Oregon
Over one million acres of Oregon’s forests have been found to contain trees that have died due to drought and high temperatures caused by climate change.
The ongoing conditions have left firs and other vulnerable trees struggling to adapt and survive. This is expected to worsen as climate change continues and may lead to devastating ecological changes and heightened wildfire risks.
The research was carried out using aerial survey data. While the results are not yet finalised, the mortality rate recorded so far has been so significant that the scientists have dubbed it “firmageddon”.
UK’s 30x30 contribution met with heavy criticism
On Thursday, the UK’s environment secretary announced a £29m pledge to support developing nations in achieving the 30x30 target.
The 30x30 target is a global project that calls for 30% of the land and oceans on Earth to be designated as protected areas by the year 2030.
Conservationists have criticised the amount stating that it’s “nothing like what’s needed”.
Others have criticised the 30x30 project as a whole, arguing that it will lead to the displacement of approximately 300 million indigenous persons from their native lands, while simultaneously doing little to protect biodiversity loss.
300 English rivers polluted by livestock farming in 2021
Recent government figures have shown that English rivers were polluted by livestock farms 300 times in 2021, leading to 20 major incidents.
Half of all farm pollution was linked to the dairy industry, with UK dairy cows producing around 50 billion litres of manure per year.
Much of the river pollution took the form of slurry, a mixture of mature and water that is often used as fertiliser. When the slurry is not stored properly or is applied too heavily to land, it can leak into waterways and wreak havoc on fish populations.
